Drew Brees, Saints quarterback

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Few players garner the kind of respect from the NFL's elite that Lewis does. That holds true for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who had mixed success competing against Lewis-led defenses. "Ray's leaving quite a legacy," Brees said. "He's going to go down as one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. I think [he's] one of the most motivating, inspiring emotional presences, too, when it comes to the leadership he provides to his team. You can see it. It's infectious. When he's on the field, it seems like everybody kind of rises to another level." -- Aaron Wilson

Few players garner the kind of respect from the NFL's elite that Lewis does. That holds true for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who had mixed success competing against Lewis-led defenses. "Ray's leaving quite a legacy," Brees said. "He's going to go down as one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. I think [he's] one of the most motivating, inspiring emotional presences, too, when it comes to the leadership he provides to his team. You can see it. It's infectious. When he's on the field, it seems like everybody kind of rises to another level." -- Aaron Wilson (Getty Images)

Few players garner the kind of respect from the NFL's elite that Lewis does. That holds true for New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, who had mixed success competing against Lewis-led defenses. "Ray's leaving quite a legacy," Brees said. "He's going to go down as one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game. I think [he's] one of the most motivating, inspiring emotional presences, too, when it comes to the leadership he provides to his team. You can see it. It's infectious. When he's on the field, it seems like everybody kind of rises to another level." -- Aaron Wilson